During a scheduled safety check, the practical nurse finds a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mild dementia attempting to pull off their oxygen nasal cannula. The client appears highly restless and agitated. Current vital signs indicate a heart rate of 112 beats/min, respirations of 28 breaths/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85% on 2 L/min. What is the priority action for the practical nurse to take?
- AAdminister a prescribed as-needed (PRN) analgesic to help calm the client's agitation.
- BDocument the agitation as an expected manifestation of the client's underlying dementia.
- Elevate the head of the client's bed and immediately verify that the oxygen system is functioning properly.Cevap
- DContact the healthcare provider to obtain an immediate prescription for soft wrist restraints.
Cevap
The priority action is to elevate the head of the bed and ensure the oxygen delivery equipment is working correctly.
Restlessness, tachycardia, and tachypnea are early signs of hypoxia. The priority is to address the client's airway and breathing (ABCs). Elevating the head of the bed promotes maximum lung expansion, and checking the oxygen equipment ensures the client is actually receiving the prescribed oxygen. These are immediate, independent nursing actions that directly treat the underlying problem.
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Early Signs of Hypoxia and ABC Prioritization
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